In memoriam: Professor Debashish Danda, MBBS, MD, DM, FRCP

Abstract

We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing away of Professor Debashish Danda, a towering figure in the field of rheumatology, who tragically lost his life in a road accident on 24 February 2024. His sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his colleagues, students, and the global rheumatology community.

Professor Danda's illustrious career was marked by his unwavering dedication to advancing rheumatology in India and the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe. His journey began with his graduation from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, in 1985. He furthered his education with an MD in internal medicine from G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, in 1990 and a post-doctoral degree in clinical immunology from the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, in 1995.

After advanced training in rheumatology in Adelaide, Australia, Professor Danda returned to India, where he joined the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore. There, he single-handedly established the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, which has since grown to be one of the largest patient cohorts in the world. His vision led to the developing of a robust postgraduate education system at CMC, including the initiation of DM training in rheumatology and clinical immunology and a PhD program. His influence can be seen in the many faculty members at CMC who were his protégés.

Professor Danda's leadership extended beyond national borders. He served as President of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) from 2017 to 2019. He held numerous roles within the Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), including Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases (IJRD), Treasurer, Vice President, and ultimately, President from 2021 to 2023. His dedication to rheumatology was recognized internationally, earning him numerous awards, including the Distinguished International Rheumatology Professional Award from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2023 (Figure 1-A).

A prolific author, Professor Danda published over 200 papers and delivered lectures at prestigious conferences worldwide. His research, particularly in the field of vasculitis, was not just significant, but truly groundbreaking. He led the APLAR Vasculitis Special Interest Group as Convener, advancing the diagnosis, education, and research of vasculitis, especially Takayasu arteritis, in the Asia-Pacific region (Figure 1-B). His establishment of the APLAR Academy and the Rheumatology Course for Physicians reflects his passion for education and his commitment to reducing disparities in rheumatology care.

Professor Danda was a brilliant scientist, visionary leader, and compassionate human being. He fought tirelessly against disparities in healthcare, ensuring that zonal and gender inequities were addressed within APLAR. His commitment to his patients and colleagues was unwavering, and his influence will be felt for generations.

The loss of Professor Danda is a monumental blow to the rheumatology community worldwide. His contributions to the field are not just significant, but truly irreplaceable, and his memory will forever inspire those who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved family, Dr. Sumita Danda, MD, DM, and his son, Asheerwad Danda, during this difficult time.

MH and XT concieved the manuscript, MH and SAH drafted it, and all authors critically reviewed and approved it.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.